From a Grateful Heart

From my earliest days, I remember being expected to express thanks for a kindness, gift, or help.  We were taught that words of gratitude were to be said as well as written.  That was a lesson that was important enough to also pass down to our sons and now during these days to our grandchildren.

At home and at church we were also taught the importance of expressing gratitude to God.  The story of Jesus and the ten lepers, in Luke 17:11-19, made quite an impression on me at an early age.

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him – and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

The busyness of the holiday season is already upon us.  What a great reminder to slow down, stop, and take the time to express gratitude to God for his love, presence, provision, and care.  It’s also a great time to express appreciation, especially for the people who perform the everyday tasks that we sometimes take for granted.  Oh that our words would be a gift of encouragement and blessing during these days and in the year to come.  May our thanks living become so much a part of us that it doesn’t take November or a holiday to remind us to express our appreciation from a grateful heart.    

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:11, 18

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 100:4

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 118:1

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.

Psalm 118:21